The NPLW ladder is beginning to take shape after round seven, with the top four stamping their claims while mid-table teams showing they have potential to challenge.

By Darren Lutton

 

Brisbane Roar FC/NTC | 2 – 0 | Gold Coast United
Lex Bell Oval

Young Roar silence the Gold Coast

The matches commenced on Friday at Lex Bell Oval as Roar NTC played their home game at Gold Coast United.  It was a game where the young Roar continued to show their quality as they held their more illustrious opposition out. Goals in both halves to Indiah-Paige Riley (that’s 5 in 7 now) were enough to ensure a convincing 2-0 victory.

Another prize scalp for this impressive side. For United, the injuries of Deeanna Thompson and Eloise Fryer were telling.

 

The Gap | 3 – 2 | Logan Lightning
Walton Bridge Reserve

Lightning strike but The Gap outlast

The second Friday game looked like a mismatch but ended in a closely fought battle. The Gap, undefeated in the NPLW, hosted a Logan Lightning side coming off the back of some disappointing defeats. It was the visitors who got off to the best start and had The Gap on the back foot.  Emily Veivers scored early for Logan and when that was cancelled out by a Greta Bodey strike, they went ahead again via a penalty converted by Charlotte Taylor.  1-2 at the break and the visitors were looking good.

The home side raised their intensity in the second half though and Bodey levelled again. Tiarne Petterwood broke the deadlock with a late winner and the Gators marched on, undefeated.  For Logan, they showed that although they are going to be inconsistent, they are growing into the competition and can play on their own terms. As they grow in confidence they will grow in consistency.

 

Moreton Bay United | 1 – 3 | Lions FC
Wolter Park

Lions ground the Jets

The live stream match was at Wolter Park as Moreton Bay United welcomed Lions FC.  The visitors swamped the hosts early and took a well-deserved lead via Mariel Hecher.  As the game wore on, the Jets grew in confidence and began the second half as the better side. A substitution paid immediate dividends as Elizabeth Schiavo doubled the lead with her first touch. A third goal six minutes later by Tegan Riding, who capitalised on the only error by the outstanding Kristi New, put the contest out of reach.

A late consolation goal was taken via the penalty spot by Alexandra Schaefer to finalise a 1-3 result -  another win as the Lions juggernaut rolls on.  For the Jets, the game was an indicator of both how far they’ve come in a short space of time, but also how much further they have to go.

 

SWQ Thunder FC | 2 – 4 | Eastern Suburbs
Gatton Football Club

Tigers silence the Thunder

Saturday, and the winless run of SWQ Thunder continued as they went down 2-4 to Eastern Suburbs.  Louise Rolfe made a welcome return to the scoresheet with a first half brace.  Angela Maher and Georgina Amos levelled the scores for Easts to bring it to 2-2 before the break.

In the second half, Eastern Suburbs broke the 2-2 deadlock on 72 minutes with a goal by substitute Emily Thompson.  The contest was put to bed with a late goal by Marguerite De Roquefeuil.  The Thunder started the game well but were unable to prevent goals against them. Easts keep touch with the top four with a 50% win record.

 

Western Pride FC | 1 – 4 | Capalaba Bulldogs
Briggs Road Sporting Complex

Bulldogs emerge the prouder of the two

Capalaba registered their second win of the season with a 1-4 away win at Briggs Road against Western Pride. The Bulldogs were simply too good for their opponents, with Vicky Lines scoring a double. Madeline Hartwig scored for The Pride but Capalaba were too powerful.

The Bulldogs’ Jeanette Osborne scored one of her own, and Steph Latham sealed another captain’s knock with a goal to add to the tally. Capalaba now join the Pride on seven points with a game in hand.

 

Mudgeeraba SC | 2 – 5 | Mitchelton
Sid Bigg Park

Mustangs out-run the Wallabies

There were two matches on Sunday, the first was at Sid Bigg Park as Mudgeeraba took on Mitchelton.  The home side got off to an amazing start as Sarah Skinner scored in the first minute but Mitchelton recovered well and took a 1-2 lead into the break.

The Wallabies levelled at 50 minutes, through Jemima Lockley, before Mitchelton came with a late surge. Fern Doyle sealed her hat trick in injury time as the Mustangs secured a 2-5 victory against a Mudgeeraba side who lost their recent run of good form.

 

Souths United | 6 – 1 | Sunshine Coast Wanderers
Wakerley Park

Wanderers caught napping on their away trip 

The final match was at Wakerley Park as Souths United blew Sunshine Coast Wanderers away with a blistering display. Souths showed that their forward line is the equal of any in the competition. Amy Chapman is one to watch in the race for the golden boot.  She’s only played three games for three goals but has the quality to really make an impact in the competition.

Hopefully for the Wanderers, by the time they play their make-up games, the defence will be more settled to the competition.